Is a keyswitch required for HMO emergency lighting?

[flex_m]

Hi all,

I'm technically a 'trainee' but in a months time I will finally have all the qualifications to apply for an approved electrician jib card.

The first job I will be undertaking is getting a house up to HMO requirements, which are outside the scope of bs7671 so it's all a bit alien to me.

I know the areas I need to cover with emergency lighting, but I'm unsure as to the requirements of a key switch?

The existing lighting installation is obviously wired in two core so the key switch would do exactly the same job as the breaker.

Any advice would be most welcome.

Thanks!

 

[Toneyz]

What is the view on self test fittings ?

 

[D Skelton]

Depends what type. Neither are really cost efficient for small installations, and for a stand alone self test system the results will still need recording by someone competent to do so.

For a larger installation a centrally controlled ATS would be a much bigger outlay, but over the years could potentially save on maintenance costs.

 

[Alanc123]

Can’t you just mount a single patress / key switch next to the consumer unit.
Take out the live from your breaker and connect it to L1 of your key switch and then connect a new live from the breaker to the com of your key switch.
It’s no different to just switching the power supply off to the light circuit but at least the customer doesn’t touch the mcb.
In an ideal situation you would have a 3 core circuit so the key switch would have its own permanent supply to the emergency light but as long as testing is done during daylight hours and you specify this especially in the test log book.

 

[littlespark]

Old thread, but valid advice.

 

[Flanders]

Can you not use self test emergency lights in this scenario

 

[Dan]

Moved to Lighting Forum.